All prior methods of keeping the masked bandits away from the bird seed failed eventually. They’re simply too persistent and too dexterous, allowing them to defeat physical deterrents. I’m now trying something a bit different. I mixed up a batch of cayenne pepper in Crisco and smeared it on the para-chord. The theory is that when they go to pull on the para-chord, the cayenne will get on their paws and prove to be a powerful deterrent that does no physical harm. A quick check in this morning and the feeder is still full; though, I won’t declare success until at least a week has passed. Note that I didn’t get the Crisco/cayenne mixture anywhere near the feeder or the branch it’s hung from. Evidently birds don’t have the necessary receptors to be bothered by pepper, but Crisco and feathers don’t mix. I’ve put in considerable time watching the birds feed and have never seen them clip the chord with their wings, so i believe it’s safe for them as long as I keep it away from the branches and feeder itself that they perch on.